Posted on 09/07/2004 5:27:47 AM PDT by marshmallow
BESLAN, Russia (CNN) -- Vladimir Putin has criticized Western leaders in the wake of the school siege tragedy for urging Russia to negotiate with Chechen rebels, whom he likened to al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden.
The Russian president was reacting to criticism by some foreign leaders of the handling of the crisis in the North Ossettian town of Beslan in which at least 338 died -- half of them children.
Speaking on behalf of the EU, Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot had said it was "very difficult to judge from a distance whether the right decision was taken" when special forces stormed the school, in which militants had seized hundreds of children and adults.
Putin likened demands by Washington that Moscow negotiate with the separatists in Chechnya -- where rebels are believed to have planned the school siege -- to the U.S. talking to the terrorists behind the September 11, 2001 attacks.
These are not "freedom fighters," Putin said. "Would you talk with Osama Bin Laden?" he asked. Putin said the Chechen separatists are trying to ignite ethnic tensions in the former Soviet Union and it could have severe repercussions. (Full story)
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com ...
Just send Kerry. He could be a more sensative, open negotiator with AlQuada.
I can just hear him ask ever so ernestly in his elite twange, "Whatever is it that you want? It is certainly Bush's fault and I will do whatever it takes when I become president to give you an entre into society.
Pass the carafe."
...and it is blunt talk.
I have been moving for the past week so I didnt see, who in Washington told Putin to negotiate?
"Vladimir Putin has criticized Western European leaders in the wake of the school siege tragedy for urging Russia to negotiate with Chechen rebels, whom he likened to al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden."
There we go -- that's better. That's more truthful than "Western leaders."
Putin is correct and "Wasington" (Bush admin) is wrong.
The United States should become more nationalistic, and the United States should let other friendly nations become more nationalistic.
Go Russia! Tell the Western nations to shove it! Deal with this as you see fit and teach the "Western nations" how best to respond to terrorists.
Good point, Pootie-Poo.
Talking won't end this. Killing the terrorists, along with those that support and encourage them, will.
The only thing to negotiate is whether the scum is to be buried in pig entrails or slabs of pork.
I do believe the Bush admin has said this to Putin many times in the past. I have not seen an official State Department comment about that since this terrorist act.
These are not "freedom fighters," Putin said. "Would you talk with Osama Bin Laden?" he asked. Putin said the Chechen separatists are trying to ignite ethnic tensions in the former Soviet Union and it could have severe repercussions.
What a crock! Did Bush suggest they talk with the terrorists? No wonder Putin is mad. What a bunch of double talk to suggest that they need to talk with their enemies while the US does not.
We should be demonstarting in the streets against Washington and for Russia if this is the case.
The U.S., Japan, China, Russia, UK and Australia should make a pact to work together to eradicate the terrorists leaders and nations (and eradicate the UN). All appropriate weapons and tactics should be utilized.
Just end it.
I was thinking that earlier. We should also suggest that the US not grant assylum to any more chechyan terrorists.
No different than Washington telling Israel they can't defend themselves against their terrorists.
I am beginning to think the Cold War was the fault of the Amerians, not the Russians.
I am convinced we should have been HELPING the Russians in their war against Afghanistan.
Putin should be drafted to be our Secretary of State.
Way to go, American State Department.
It's WAY PAST time to contact your Congressional delegation and DEMAND that something be done about the UNBELIEVABLY STUPID State Department and their OUTRAGEOUS behavior towards the Russians with regard to Chechnya!!!!!
Good points on all counts!
Did you forget that Russia is building a nuclear reactor in Iran?
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that mid-level officials in the U.S. government were undermining his country's war on terrorism by supporting Chechen separatists, whom he compared to al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden."
These 'mid-level officials' are career employees, not Bush appointments. President Bush needs to tell them to shut the hell up or fire the idiots on the spot.
Although I agree with your assertion, let's take Putin's words with a grain of salt. Putin mismanaged this situation horribly and his people are justifiably outraged at him. This may be an effort to shift the blame to a convenient old scapegoat. I think this is part of Putin's fight for his political life.
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